It is one of the finest and oldest sailing ships in the world. In five episodes, we accompany the Sea Cloud on its long journey across the Atlantic and study the history of this floating legend.
It is one of the finest and oldest sailing ships in the world. Built by Krupp in the 1930s at the Germania shipyard in Kiel, the Sea Cloud still sails the world’s seas today after an adventurous and incredible career. Her greatest challenge: crossing the Atlantic with around 50 passengers. Even experienced sailors today consider this journey on a square rigger to be the supreme discipline and the fulfilment of a life-long dream. Sailing on the Sea Cloud is also a journey into the past of a floating legend. Ship pianist Tom Hook has worked aboard the Sea Cloud for over thirty years and knows her better than anyone. Celebrity guests, political entanglements, dangerous war adventures and dictatorial plans have all defined the seven lives of the Sea Cloud. In five parts, we accompany the ship on its long journey. From Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, towards Cap Verde, always ahead of the Passat winds on course to Barbados. Hoisting, lowering and mending sails – everything is done as it was 100 years ago. We take a look at the ship’s eventful past with all its surprising twists and turns, returning every so often to the present day.

Episodes:
The floating Krupp steel palace
On a mission to Russia
From luxury yacht to warship
The dictator’s ship
The return of a legend